They might not be pretty like the Harmon Kardon speakers, but I've now bought two sets of Logitech Z-2300's (one for an office, one for home) and these speakers are pretty sweet. The sub kicks out a substantial bass and the speakers seem to put out decent sound. These are what I plug my iPod or laptop into at home for music.

I've had... three, I think, sets of Klipsch computer speakers--they all crapped out the same way after a couple years. Apparently it's happened to nearly everyone who's bought them. Bummer.

FWIW I got a set of the ~$150 2.1 logitech speakers newegg sells and I've been quite happy with them, even as a replacement for the $400 Klipsch 5.1s.

Edit: I think that's them, that Pylon cited above. When I opened the box I was really disappointed--the satellites are small and the wiring and everything is kind of rudimentary compared to the Klipsch. But the sound was just as good, if not better. I never used the surround sound stuff, anyway.

I've had... three, I think, sets of Klipsch computer speakers--they all crapped out the same way after a couple years. Apparently it's happened to nearly everyone who's bought them. Bummer.

FWIW I got a set of the ~$150 2.1 logitech speakers newegg sells and I've been quite happy with them, even as a replacement for the $400 Klipsch 5.1s.

Edit: I think that's them, that Pylon cited above. When I opened the box I was really disappointed--the satellites are small and the wiring and everything is kind of rudimentary compared to the Klipsch. But the sound was just as good, if not better. I never used the surround sound stuff, anyway.

They don't make make any more, but the Monsoon MM1000s (or other sub models) are the bomb, especially if you listen to Jazz a lot. They're like the mini-Maggie. You can find them occasionally on eBay or craigslist.

those audioengine are a product of INTERNET hype and a lot of hearsay-recommendations. ive tried a set - theyre well built but sound is WEAK.

Klipsch PM ive had the 4.1 version, good sound within their volume level but the subwoofer hits its ceiling quickly, and there are some minor build quality issues (e.g. volume knob)

dollar for dollar, for powered consumer speakers, M-Audio is among the best.. theyre fairly large bookshelf, which could be better or worse depending on your desktop layout (no separate sub to deal with). check out the AV40 model